Ethical Fashion 101 with Worthy Clothiers
Let’s start off with this question: what does ethical fashion mean? Google will tell you it is “garment design, production, and distribution that focuses on reducing harm to people and the planet.” You can see there are many components a brand must consider when they say they are ethical. Today we are going to dive into how one Nanaimo, B.C.-based company, Worthy Clothiers, is focusing on ethical standards in all aspects of their business.
Worthy Clothiers was founded in January of 2021 by a husband and wife with the goal of simplifying fashion and breaking the cycle of needless consumption to keep up with ever-changing trends. The mindset around consuming trendy and seasonal clothes needs to change and companies like Worthy are making us question our reasoning for each purchase.
Worthy Clothiers offers simple and timeless basics that are built to last. With carefully selected fabrics and colours, consumers are able to create the building blocks for a wardrobe that works for them. The garments are all designed to compliment one another, and fit seamlessly into any current wardrobe. Made in comfortable fabrics and classic cuts, each piece effortlessly moves back and forth between work and play. Available in XS-3X, inclusive sizing was a priority for the brand as it’s really hard to find in the slow fashion world.
Fabrics
Consumers should feel empowered to ask questions. What are the benefits of certain fabrics? How are they harvested and sourced? Warning: some companies can’t even answer or have to “get back to you” in an email. Don’t let that stop you from asking questions.
Fabric is one of the most important ethical considerations when creating a slow fashion clothing line. Worthy’s fabrics are blends made sustainably, with innovative fibres that have a decreased environmental impact. They are transparent about this information on their website so that their customers can feel empowered to make the right decision for themselves.
Worthy uses four types of fabrics: TENCEL Lyocell, Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester and small percentages of spandex to ensure the stretch and comfort everyone wants.
Tencel Lycocell: Made with wood pulp harvested from eucalyptus trees, lyocell fibres are manufactured on a closed loop, which means solvents used in the process are recycled and used again, preventing waste.
Organic cotton: Grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, organic cotton offers the benefits of cotton (durability, comfort) with less environmental impact.
Recycled Polyester: Made with post-consumer recycled raw material such as water bottles, this can be combined with other fibres for comfort, ease of care and durability. Their blend features the EPA certified ChitoSanté Treatment, made from a natural biomass called Chitosan which is obtained from crab and/or shrimp shells. These waste products are combined with fibres to create a fabric that is absorbent, breathable, durable, fast-drying and moisture-wicking, with antibacterial properties.
Next time you walk into a clothing store, we encourage you to read what sorts of fabrics are used. It’s a major factor for reducing waste in the fashion industry. Worthy Clothiers only purchases fabrics from companies that pay their employees a fair living wage and provide them with a safe, healthy working environment.
Manufacturing
The second biggest consideration for an ethical fashion brand is production. Fashion Revolution launched the viral hashtag #whomakesmyclothes to bring awareness to consumers about working conditions within the fashion industry.
Worthy Clothiers chose to keep the manufacturing process close to home in Vancouver, B.C., by working with skilled, safe and valued makers. A big reason why they chose this route is to be able to physically visit the facility and build close relationships with the people making their garments. Worthy takes pride in knowing that each person making their garments gets paid living wages.
Distribution
Lastly, the third ethical consideration: how do the clothes get to you? Once Worthy’s clothes are made in Vancouver, B.C., they are shipped to headquarters in Nanaimo. Worthy is an online-only store and has a fabulous website to browse their timeless pieces, learn about sizing and ask the team questions. Their shipping practice is plastic free, with recyclable tags to ensure the company’s low waste commitment continues all the way to your hands.
You can shop the latest Worthy Clothiers capsule here.
I personally have the Quinn Cardigan in Rust and the The Ella Tunic in spiced rose. I love them both and they are so soft — highly recommend! You can also find Worthy Clothiers in our 2021 holiday gift guide.
* Note: This post is a paid partnership with Worthy Clothiers